North Melbourne veteran Shaun Higgins has been traded to Geelong for Pick 30.
In a report posted earlier in the week by AFL Media,ย Geelong's recruitment staff explained they were reluctant to trade "anything more than a second-round pick" to secure the 32-year-old midfielder's services.
North held the whip hand in negotiations due to Higgins still having a year to run on his contract at Arden Street.
โWe have always liked Shaun as a player and we are happy that we could work with Shaun, his management and North Melbourne to get this trade completed,โ Geelong recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells told the club website.
โShaun is a very talented and accomplished player and he can fill a number of roles. We are looking forward to seeing him in Geelong colours.โ
Forward
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Trade paperwork lodged.
North Melbourne trade Shaun Higgins to the Geelong Cats for its Rd 2 (30) selection.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) November 11, 2020
I understand Geelong will hand over pick 30 for Shaun Higgins, having traded 38 for 30 and a later pick for Fogarty. Will be enough to get the deal done for Higgins. https://t.co/NbNZhnLoFd
— Jon Ralph (@RalphyHeraldSun) November 11, 2020
North Melbourne asked the two-time Syd Barker medalist to explore his options during this trade period and are reported to be supportive of Higgins' family oriented move to the Cattery.